Q3: Am I too old?
A3. No, you're not too old. But you probably won't get any of the slots designated for the recent grads. You'll have to look for "offseason" openings. These pop up when a recent grad doesn't work out, and the company still wants someone to fill the position.

Q4: will I have to take a salary cut?
A4. Yes, you will start somewhere near the bottom of the salary ladder, but if you turn out to be a great worker, your salary increases should be larger. (Or, maybe not.) Remember, you're the risk here. All companies are different in their perception of the career changer. you'll likely end up with one that doesn't have any hangups you can conceive of. (Meaning, the others won't bother with you.)

Q5: But my situation is unique.....
A5: No, it's not.

(From Justin M.)
Q6: What's the job market like?
A6: As of December 2011, it's not that great. Although many employment "experts' will say the profession is expanding, they don't realize that the pool of applicants is expanding greater.

(From Justin M.)
Q7: Will I be limiting my odds if I am geographically restricted?
A7: Without knowing any more about you, the general answer is yes. Most actuaries live where the home offices of insurance companies are: NYC, CHI, Hartford, then there's another tier of areas, then the outliers. Consultants can generally live wherever they want these days.

Everything you need to know has already been asked and answered. Proceed to the search function.

Thank you,

A Career Changer Who Applied This Advice When Changing His Career

__________________

Spoiler:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andreas

The most important thing I have learned from the career forum is that the gurus in this field and keepers of supreme knowledge regarding all matters pertaining to the actuarial profession are unlettered actuarial students with < 5 years of experience.

I approve of this thread. Mostly because it furthers my curiosity about how certain posters get any work done. When you are in the 10k, 20k, 30k, etc. range of posts does your employer exempt you from any level of productivity? That's what I'm shooting for.

I approve of this thread. Mostly because it furthers my curiosity about how certain posters get any work done. When you are in the 10k, 20k, 30k, etc. range of posts does your employer exempt you from any level of productivity? That's what I'm shooting for.

I'm extremely productive. That's why I have so much time on my hands.

Besides, it's frequency, not volume, that affects productivity. An actuary should know this.